Public Inquiry to Ignite Conflict Over 350 New Homes in London’s Green Belt and Orpington Housing Crisis

Plans to construct 350 homes on green belt land at the outskirts of London could still receive approval on appeal, despite widespread opposition. Housing developer Lands Improvement Holdings has lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate following Bromley Council’s declaration last month to refuse the substantial residential project in St Mary Cray, prior to it being reviewed by the planning committee.

The council has stated its intention to contest this appeal and aims to reject the planning application as part of its ongoing commitment to safeguard green belt land across the borough from unsuitable developments. In November of last year, Lands Improvement submitted a planning application for the construction of 350 homes across three agricultural fields located to the east of St Mary Cray Recreation Ground, between Crockenhill Road and Cockmannings Road.

Details of the Proposed Development

The proposed residential units would consist of a mix including 40 one-bedroom apartments, 27 two-bedroom flats, 56 two-bedroom houses, 157 three-bedroom homes, and 70 homes with four or more bedrooms. Notably, half of these units are designated as affordable housing. The plans have faced significant backlash from residents in St Mary Cray and the surrounding areas, with over 1,000 objections submitted through Bromley Council’s planning portal. The predominant concern among objectors is the preservation of the green belt, leading to Bromley Council’s resolution to refuse planning permission on June 5.

Recently, residents and objectors from St Mary Cray received notifications from the council regarding Lands Improvement’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, given that Bromley had not yet made a decision on the planning application. The developer confirmed its appeal and expressed a commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders, asserting that the proposal represents a vital opportunity to address local housing needs.

Developer’s Commitment to Local Needs

A spokesperson for Lands Improvement stated, “We have exercised our right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in accordance with the established planning process. We remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders. We believe the proposals represent an important opportunity to help meet local housing needs, including the delivery of affordable family homes, alongside wider regeneration benefits for the Cray Valley Renewal Area. As the application is now subject to the appeal process, we look forward to the opportunity to present the merits of the scheme through the Planning Inspectorate.”

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Bromley’s Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, expressed strong opposition to the proposed development, stating, “We have already indicated our opposition to this completely inappropriate development on the borough’s cherished green belt, standing alongside many local residents who have also clearly voiced their opposition, including through comments made as part of the planning process. We will be contesting the appeal by seeking the rejection of this application by the Planning Inspectorate, which is part of our continued fight to protect green belt land across the borough from unsuitable development.”

Next Steps for the Community

Residents wishing to express their views on the appeal can do so until August 18 by searching for reference 6011063 on the Government website. A public inquiry is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2027. This inquiry will provide an opportunity for further public engagement and discussion regarding the future of the proposed development.

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